Laugavegur Trekking Iceland – 5 days

Iceland's most famous hiking holiday from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk lives up to its grand expectations. The magical and diverse landscape combined with the long, bright Icelandic summer days will undoubtedly capture the heart of any nature lover. We will conclude this spectacular adventure with a festive barbecue on the last evening in Þórsmörk.

The rumors are true! Hiking in the southern highlands from the geothermal hotspot in Landmannalaugar to the lush green landscape in Þórsmörk valley is much more breathtaking when seen with your own eyes. On this magnificent journey, you will hike through vibrant nature with its yellow rhyolite mountains, across the black sand desert, and past majestic mountain gorges. It is no coincidence that this hike is the most sought-after among locals and other travelers from all over the world.

Day 1 - Reykjavík - Landmannalaugar

Our adventure begins early when you are picked up from one of our pick-up locations in Reykjavik (this can take up to 30 minutes depending on your location). From there, we will take a 3-4 hour drive to Landmannalaugar, during which there will be plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy, including a drive past the world-famous Hekla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes.

Upon arrival in Landmannalaugar, we will find ourselves in a magnificent geothermal wonderland, whose colorful rhyolite mountains have become famous worldwide. Our first stop will be the Laugahraun lava field, whose moss-covered rocks were created by a massive volcanic eruption of the Brennisteinsalda volcano in 1477. Then we will find ourselves at the foot of Brennisteinsalda, whose slopes have been colored blood-red, amber-yellow, turquoise, and deep green by the volcano's sulfur deposits over the centuries. This makes it one of the most photogenic spots in all of Iceland and the perfect beginning of our odyssey into the Icelandic highlands.

The next remarkable stop before we return to our accommodation is the Vondugil gorge. We will spend the evening in secluded Landmannalaugar cabins – ideal for those who love to gaze at the Icelandic night sky.

Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: 470 meters

Day 2 - Landmannalaugar – Lake Álftavatn

Day two begins with breakfast in the cabin before we head towards Hrafntinnusker, an obsidian desert that offers an otherworldly sight. Then we follow the beautiful Reykjafjöll mountains, known for their snow-covered peaks and majestic views of the surrounding area. After reaching the summit, we will begin our descent into the Jökultungur area, a lush green valley filled with rocks that have been colored various shades of ruby and amber by the volcanic activity that has occurred over the centuries. This part of the hike is truly special, with a unique landscape that visitors are sure to enjoy.

The landscape will begin to change as we reach the other side of Jökultungur, leaving the colorful rhyolite mountains behind us and entering an area of darker palagonite mountains. The higher mountains have snow-capped peaks, meaning we are walking through a place of spectacular natural beauty.

Then we begin the ascent of Jökultungur mountain and follow the mountain path to the top. At the summit, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the famous Fjallabak Nature Reserve, renowned for the large number of birds that inhabit it. In the distance lies the idyllic Lake Álftavatn, which ensures a majestic view that you are sure to enjoy.

As we approach our accommodation at Lake Álftavatn (Swan Lake), we pass the lush green oasis surrounding the Grashagakvísl river, which contrasts sharply with the otherwise dark landscape. We then wade through a small stream before resting for the evening by the magnificent Lake Álftavatn.

Distance: 24 km
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Elevation gain: 900 meters

Day 3 - Lake Álftavatn – Emstrur

Day three begins as day two ended, crossing another stream and delving deeper into Iceland's sensational highlands. The first stop will be Stórasúla, a grass-covered volcano rising above the dark landscape, surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna, perfectly illustrating the richness of volcanic soil.

We will then move into the pitch-black desert Mælifellssandur: a grim landscape that is utterly otherworldly. The black sand is crossed by a series of icy blue glacier streams, contrasting with the dark sand. At its center is Mount Mælifell, which rises like a green tower from the black and makes it one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.

From there, we will approach Emstrur, a narrow green valley teeming with lush vegetation, a welcome sight after the black desert we have just crossed. We then take a short detour to the deep Markarfljótsgljúfur gorge, carved into the earth by the icy glacier river that runs through it. Finally, we reach Botnar, where we will spend the evening in a secluded mountain hut. 

Distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation loss: 40 meters

Day 4 - Emstrur - Þórsmörk

Our final day in the Icelandic highlands will take us to the famous Þórsmörk valley, a glorious oasis of greenery nestled between two massive glaciers. We begin by walking close to the enormous Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which appears as an endless sea of pristine white snow stretching far into the horizon. We pass the uniquely shaped Einhyrningur (Unicorn), a strange mountain named for its resemblance to the legendary creature.

Next, we reach the dense birch forest that signals the beginning of Þórsmörk, a valley consistently rated as one of the most beautiful places in all of Iceland. Icelandic folklore believes it was created by a mighty strike from the Norse god Thor's hammer, and the valley more than lives up to this divine creation story.

Þórsmörk is the kind of place words cannot describe: a valley surrounded by mountains and massive glaciers, steeped in history and folklore. A place everyone should visit once, perfectly encapsulating everything that makes Iceland's highlands so special. We leave around 9:30 PM and travel to a comfortable country hotel in preparation for our visit to Iceland's famous south coast the next day.

Distance: 15 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation loss: 300 meters

Day 5 - South Coast and Glacier Hiking

The final day of our journey takes us to Iceland's iconic south coast, beginning with a breakfast buffet at your hotel. Afterward, you will be picked up from your hotel, and we take the scenic drive to the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, famous for its cone-shaped water stream that plunges about 60 meters into a beautiful valley below.

It has a secret cave hidden behind it, allowing us to see a waterfall from an entirely different perspective. From there, we proceed to the equally beautiful Skógafoss waterfall, where a broader cascade of water tumbles into a bustling pool below. A winding path carved into the mountainside next to Skógafoss allows visitors to climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire area. On our way up, we will see two fascinating rock formations, which local legend believes were a pair of trolls turned to stone when they forgot to take cover at sunrise.

The tour concludes at the Solheimajökull glacier, a large ice mass that unfolds like a tongue from the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It is especially popular for its unique topography, where craters, ice, and crevasses combine to create a sublime natural wonder. Our journey begins at our base camp at the foot of the glacier, where our expert glacier guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment and give you a brief safety briefing.

We then venture out onto the mighty glacier itself, where our guide will teach us all about glaciers and how they helped shape the Iceland you see today.

Afterward, we return to Reykjavik, where we drop you off at your accommodation or a nearby authorized location.

What to bring:

• Thermal underwear (top and bottom), at least two sets of shirts
• Wool or fleece thermal mid layer
• Hiking pants
• Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket
  Wool/fleece hat
• At least one pair of gloves
• 2 to 3 pairs of thick socks
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Sleeping bag and travel pillow
• Sun glasses
• Sunscreen / after sun cream
• Travel sack for your baggage that is transported between huts/campsites
• Day backpack, 25-40 L
• River crossing shoes (old sneakers or similar for fording rivers)
• Health supplies and prescription medicine
• Personal medical kit to include personal medication
• 1-2 liter water bottle
  Towel

Pick-up from Reykjavik: Between 7:00 - 7:30:

• Reykjavik City Hall (Ráðhúsið) Vonarstræti
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Reykjavik campsite

Pick-up outside Reykjavik:

• 8:15 - Selfoss N1 gas station
• 9:00 - Hella Bus Terminal

Please note that it can take up to 30 minutes for the bus to depart from the given locations

If clients formally cancel their participation of this tour:

15% of the trip price is non-refundable.
50% of the trip price will be refunded if canceled more than 14 days before departure.
0% of the trip price will be refunded if canceled less than 14 days before departure.